WV Executive

For 11 years now, West Virginia Executive has been highlighting an elite class of West Virginians. Every year, hundreds of nominations are sorted through and narrowed down to a small group of 10 to 12 passionate, intelligent, determined, forward-thinking individuals who share three common traits: success in their careers, a desire to give back to their communities and, above all, a deep-rooted resolve to ensure that West Virginia’s best days are not behind her but are, in fact, just ahead.

It was altogether fitting and proper that we journey to a part of the state whose history is no stranger to another passionate, determined, forward-thinking individual. John Brown was an abolitionist who was very passionate about ending slavery and securing equal rights for all—passionate to the point that he risked—and lost—his life for the cause. This year’s class of Young Guns met up with us in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia where we used the site of John Brown’s raid on the U.S. Armory and Arsenal in October 1869 as the backdrop for our photo shoot. This year marks the sesquicentennial anniversary of Brown’s attack, an act that not only brought national attention to slavery but also served as one of the stepping stones that led to the Civil War.

Lower Town Harpers Ferry sits at the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers. This small, historic town is one of West Virginia’s best-kept secrets with its scenic views, hospitable people and many attractions. Where the blacktop becomes cobblestone, visitors are transported back 150 years to a time when men accessorized with top hats and pocket watches and women dressed in floor-length skirts and bonnets. History comes alive in Harpers Ferry with restored buildings like Whitehall Tavern and the dry goods store, and periodically visitors cross paths with re-enactors who enjoy talking about the life and times of the late 1800s. We offer special thanks to Marsha Wassel, the public information officer for the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, for her attention to detail, her patience and her passion for Harpers Ferry.

We are proud to present to you the Young Guns Class of 2010. We welcome this year’s new members into a circle of passionate, forward-thinking professionals and we congratulate them on their successes, knowing that, like our great state, their best days are not behind them but are, in fact, just ahead.